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Mental health care is at a turning point, with more people questioning whether symptom management alone leads to lasting healing. At the same time, emerging research is exploring how psychedelic-assisted therapies may help address deeper root causes tied to emotional well-being.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Will Van Derveer to discuss the transformative potential and risks of psychedelic medicine, sharing powerful stories of healing, the importance of proper guidance, and the current landscape of research and regulation. He also discusses how the current mental health care system is in crisis and how some patients don’t feel relief from pharmaceuticals, as they may not address the root cause of their condition. Dr. Van Derveer also shares the ideal candidates for psychedelic medicine and the importance of finding the right guide and combining it with therapy.
Will Van Derveer is a psychiatrist focused on addressing the root causes of mental health challenges, not just medicating symptoms. With nearly 25 years of experience, he co-founded the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI), which has trained over 10,000 licensed professionals in integrative psychiatry and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr. Van Derveer is the coauthor of Psychedelic Therapy, and co-host of the Higher Practice Podcast.
*This episode includes a discussion about suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, mental health professional, or call/text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate help.
In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Van Derveer dive into:
(0:00) The Promise of Psychedelic Medicine
(05:34) Potential Risks to Consider
(09:12) Failures of Traditional Mental Health Care
(12:55) The Trauma That Changed Dr. Van Derveer’s Life
(26:27) Choosing the Right Guide
(33:16) Exploring Unresolved Trauma
(43:14) What Conventional Care is Missing
(55:14) Understanding Psychedelics: Amplifying the Mind
(57:50) Exploring Ketamine: Benefits and Risks
(1:01:33) MDMA: The Connection Hormone and Trauma Therapy
(1:04:58) Psilocybin: A Swiss Army Knife for Mental Health
(1:07:29) Psychedelics for Personal Growth and Exploration
(1:11:11) Couples Therapy: Breaking Barriers
(1:14:56) Ibogaine: Potential and Risks
(1:18:46) Political Battle Over Psychedelic Research
(1:21:09) Big Pharma, Profits, and the Fight Over Access
(1:30:26) Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More
Also mentioned in this episode:
Psychedelic Therapy: A Revolutionary Approach to Restoring Your Mental Health and Reclaiming Your Life
LSD Psychotherapy
Somatic Experiencing International
For more on Dr. Derveer, follow him on Instagram, Threads, YouTube, LinkedIn, or visit his Websites: Integrative Psychiatry Institute and Will Van Derveer MD.
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